Now in its second year of implementing the Community-Driven Development (CDD) approach, the local government of San Isidro, Bohol, through its “Local KALAHI,” has completed 12 additional community-identified projects,” an evidence of continued effort to institutionalize participatory planning in local governance.
On Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025, community volunteers and residents gathered for the turnover of 12 newly improved access roads worth P4.5 million, funded jointly by the municipal and barangay governments and implemented through the CDD process of the DSWD’s KALAHI-CIDSS program.
Mayor Diosdado Gimenteza Jr. led the ceremony. KALAHI Social Marketing Officer III Wenilyn B. Sabalo attended the ceremony on behalf of Director Shalaine Marie S. Lucero.
The implementation of Local KALAHI is backed by an ordinance adopting and institutionalizing the integration of CDD in San Isidro, which the local council passed on November 29, 2023.
When an LGU implements its own “Local KALAHI” program, it means they take ownership of the KALAHI-CIDSS process and integrate it into its local planning, budgeting, and implementation processes, which ensures that the principles of participation, transparency, and accountability are applied to all local development projects, not just those funded by the DSWD.
The LGU also provides local funding support to continue funding the community-identified projects, which signifies sustainability of the CDD approach.
2025 Local KALAHI subprojects
Showing true community-driven development, the 12 barangays successfully completed meters of new access road.
The participating barangays: Abehilan (P387,271.90), Baryong Daan (P382,099.00), Baunos (P399,456.85), Cabanugan (P399,366.73), Caimbang (P376,760.35), Cambansag (P398,424.50), Candungao (P398,547.00), Cansague Sur (P399,995.06), Cansague Norte (P399,983.56), Causwagan (P399,033.00), and Poblacion (P399,400.00), along with Masonoy, view these roads not just as infrastructure, but as tangible proof of their collaborative efforts.
In his welcome remarks, Mayor Gimenteza emphasized the power of unity in achieving development.
“Mao ni bunga sa atong kahago ug paningkamot alang sa katawhan sa atong barangay (This is the fruit of our labor and hard work for the people of our barangays),” he said.
He added that the municipality provided individual support of P200,000 to each barangay for the sub-projects, which was augmented by each barangay’s own counterpart funds.
In addition to this year’s initiative, the same 12 barangays successfully executed 12 Local KALAHI sub-projects in 2024,
Community Volunteers Congress
Community volunteers from the 12 barangays also engaged in collaborative and fun activities that reinforced their vital role in advancing community-driven development.
Wednesday’s CV’s Congress is the KALAHI-CIDSS Area Coordinating Team and LGU’s initiative to replicate the DSWD’s CVs’ Congress honoring and acknowledging the vital support and efforts of the volunteers in the success of the KALAHI-CIDSS implementation.
The Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) is a flagship program of the DSWD that aims to empower communities through a participatory approach, emphasizing transparency and accountability in local sub-project implementation.
Columba Orohuela, Barangay Development Council – Technical Working Group Head of Candungao, Bohol, encouraged other volunteers to continue their community work and involvement, during her sharing of experiences.
“Mapasalamaton ko sa KALAHI tungof sa mga kaayohan nga nahatag niini sa atong lungsod. Ako lang awhag nga kitang mga volunteers, atong ipadayon ang atong pag-volunteer ug pagka empowered. Ang mga babaye, makagama og mga kalsada!,” she said. ###